Needle exchange
Needle exchange schemes were introduced in England in 1985 to reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS. They provide sterile injecting equipment and safe disposal of used needles.
Needle exchange is a harm reduction service offered by many pharmacies in Birmingham.
As well as clean needles, these schemes offer advice on safe injecting, equipment disposal, and drug use. They can also help people access treatment services. This is an opportunity for people who are not in treatment to speak to someone who can provide support.
Birmingham Public Health works to improve these services and prevent HIV infections. There are almost 100 pharmacy-based needle exchanges and 6 specialist services across the city. These provide a safe and confidential way to dispose of used equipment and get clean supplies. They also help reduce the risk of blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis and HIV. Services are also available to steroid users.
Specialist needle exchanges offer:
- safer injecting advice
- general health checks
- confidential testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV
- hepatitis B vaccination
- referrals to prescribing and other health services, including hepatitis C and HIV treatment
- wound care advice and treatment
Download our needle exchange leaflet
Page last updated: 14 November 2025
